However, advantages to credit cards include the purchase and fraud protection they offer, and the fact that using them allows you to build the credit required for major purchases in the future, like a home or car. There are some situations when it's smarter to choose credit over debit — as long as you pay your bills on time, that is.

Now that that's out of the way, use your credit card responsibly for these eight types of purchases:

Kathleen Elkins contributed to an earlier version of this article.

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1. Online purchases

It's better to be overly cautious and use credit over debit — particularly if you're buying from a smaller and less established company.

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2. Flights

It's smart to use a credit card with built-in travel protection when buying flights, as you never know when something might come up.

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3. Items from small vendors

If you're at a flea market, food festival, or buying from a vendor on the street who accepts cards, err on the side of caution and use credit.

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4. Car rentals

Many credit cards offer rental-car insurance, which will cover you in most situations. Also, if you use a debit card, you may have to put down a large deposit.

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5. Hotel rooms

As with renting a car, if you use a debit card to book a room, you may have to submit a large deposit to cover things such as damage to the room, room service, or other incidental purchases.

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6. Purchases made over the phone

Any purchase that is expected to arrive in the future should be made with a credit card, in case the item never makes it to your doorstep.

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7. Products offering warranties

Many credit cards offer extended-warranty policies that will cover your electronics or other goods beyond the manufacturer's warranty.

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8. Big-ticket items

If you're in the market for a new washing machine or laptop, go with credit. The purchase protection will come in handy if something ever goes wrong with the item.